The Maxell P1-TR Winder

Pentax doesn't make winders for the Super A anymore {B&H only sells a "generic" winder for US$49.95}, so if you want one new the Maxell P1-TR is one option. The winder itself does not bear the "Maxell" brand, although the name appears on the box. The winder only says "Electronic Power Winder for Pentax". I believe the winder is also marketed under the name "Samigor". Following are its specifications as stated in the accompanying manual:

SPECIFICATIONS:
Camera: Fits Pentax ME Super, ME- F, MG, MV-1, Super A (Super Program), Program A (Program Plus), and P50 (P5) Cameras.
Winding Speed: Approx. 2 frames per second.
Wind Modes: "C" - Continuous sequence or single frame picture, 'S"--Single frame pictures only.
Power Source: 4 AA batteries (Alkaline recommended).
Battery life: Approx. 30 rolls 36-exposure film (Alkaline batteries).
Shutter Speed Range: Auto or Program mode plus all manual speeds except "B".
Wind confirmation LED: Red LED flashes on whenever the shutter is fired and during film advancing.
Power On indication: Green LED lights when power is on.
Automatic Cut-off Circuit: Winding stops automatically at film end.

The P1-TR is inexpensive at around US$50 new. It does have its drawbacks though. One is that the shutter button does not have a discernible half-press position. The viewfinder display does not light up when pressure is applied on the shutter button, unless the shutter is actually released. I'm not sure if this is peculiar to my Super A, but I've tried the winder on a Program Plus with the same results. So when taking meter readings, I have to half-press the shutter button on the Super A body itself.

The second drawback is the disconcerting noise. Don't try it during a theatre play or in a courtroom. The noise more than invites attention.

On the plus side, the P1-TR gives added functionality to the Super A. Besides the 2 frames-per-second film advance, it has a time delay feature that allows the camera to automatically take photos at intervals of 5s, 10s, 30s, 1 minute, or 5 minutes. Not even the PZ-1p has this feature. But frankly, I've had the P1-TR for a year and I still have to find a use for this feature. The P1-TR also comes with a remote cord that plugs at the back. It can substitute for a cable release, although you can't use it in "bulb".

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